Comparison on inhibitory effects of imidapril and irbesartan on remodeling of left ventricle and resistance vessels in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Objective To research the inhibitory effect of imidapril and irbesartan on remodeling of left ventricle and resistance vessels in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and compare their effects in this event. Methods Thirty 13 week old spontaneously hypertension rats were randomly divide into 3 groups: SHR group, imidapril group (3 mg·kg -1 ·d -1 ), irbesartan group (50 mg·kg -1 ·d -1 ). Ten homogenous Wistar Kyoto rats served as normal control. Indexes concerning cardiovascular remodeling were observed in following 15 weeks. Results Blood pressure and LVW/BW, ratio of mesenteric arteries media thickness to lumen radius, ratio of media to lumen area, plasma ANF level and left ventricle myocardium were lower in imidapril group and irbesartan group than in SHR group. Lumen to vessel radius ratio was higher in imidapril group and irbesartan group. No difference on all above indexes was found in imidapril group and irbesartan group. Plasma AngⅡ level, left ventricle myocardium, mesenteric arteries was same or lower in SHR group than in WKY group, and irbesartan group was higher, and imidapril was lower than SHR group. Left ventricle and mesenteric arteries modulation in structure especially fibrosis was lighter in imidapril group and irbesartan group. Furthermore, modulation of imidapril group was lighter than that of irbesartan group. Conclusion Imidapril and irbesartan not only control blood pressure well but also inhibit remodeling of left ventricle and mesenteric arteries in SHR; Imidapril is better than irbesartan in preventing left ventricle and mesenteric arteries from modulation in structure, especially fibrosis.